Guide on Senior Citizens Benefits & Discounts in the Philippines Seniors Must Be Aware Of
SENIOR CITIZEN BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS PHILIPPINES – Here is a list of the privileges for individuals aged 60 and up under the law.
In the Philippines, a huge part of the populace is composed of individuals who are aged 60 and up. They are called the senior citizens or the seniors. Many of these individuals have already retired from work while others have opted to maintain their employment for different reasons.
In the country, there are special privileges crafted for the senior citizens under the different laws and joint ventures of the government offices aside from the pension that many senior citizens receive. These senior citizen benefits include discounts, special lanes, and exemptions for seniors from certain payments. You can check on them below.
As mentioned, there are different laws and government offices that pave the way for these senior citizen benefits and discounts. Here are the privileges for individuals aged 60 and up in the Philippines:
Under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010
- Retirement benefits from the Social Security System (SSS Retirement Benefits), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS Retirement Benefits), and Pag-IBIG
- Income tax exemption for senior citizens who are minimum wage earners
- Discounts in special programs for senior citizens
- Free medical and dental services in government facilities
- Free flu and pneumococcal vaccinations for indigent senior citizens
- Express lanes for senior citizens in all government offices and commercial establishments
- Scholarships and financial assistance for seniors’ education in public and private schools
- Training fee exemption on socio-economic programs
20% Discount and Vat Exemption
The Republic Act No. 9994 mandates a 20% discount entitlement to individuals who are 60 years old and up in the Philippines in many transactions. The said discount is apart from the exemption from the Value Added Tax or VAT whether the purchase was made using a cash or a credit card:
- Medicines: Generic and branded medicines, vitamins, and mineral supplements provided that they are prescribed by the doctor
- Professional fees of doctors, attending physicians and licensed health workers
- Restaurants: Food, beverages,and other consumables for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery orders
- Medical supplies and equipment: Eyeglasses, wheelchairs, hearing aids, crutches, dentures, etc.
- Medical and dental services in private facilities: Lab tests such as blood tests, x-rays, etc.
- Public land transportation fares: Jeepneys, taxis, buses, shuttle services, MRT, LRT, PNR, etc.
- Places of leisure: Cinemas, parks, theaters, museums, concert halls, etc.
- Recreation centers: Rental and other fees for sports facilities like badminton courts, gyms, tennis courts, ballroom dancing studios, bowling lanes, etc.
- Hotels: Accommodation and amenities in hotels, beach resorts, mountain resorts, etc.
- Domestic air and sea travel fares as several airlines including AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines grant a 20% senior citizen discount and VAT exemption for online bookings
- Funeral and burial services for deceased senior citizens: hospital morgue, embalming, casket or urn, cremation, etc.
Under the DOA and DSWD Joint Administrative Order No. 10-02, s. 2010
The Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also has a joint administrative order No. 10-02 series of 2010 which grants the senior citize a special 5% special discount without VAT exemption on selected grocery items such as the following:
- Fresh eggs
- Rice, bread, and corn
- Geriatric diapers
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Chicken, beef, and pork (fresh, canned, and processed)
- Cooking oil and salt
- Coffee, creamer, and sugar
- Garlic and onions
- Noodles, canned sardines, and canned tuna
- Fresh milk and other dairy products
- Electrical supplies, light bulbs, and batteries
- Detergents
Also part of the senior citizen benefits and discounts is a PhilHealth coverage for seniors in times of hospital confinement. It will be deducted from the hospital bill aside from the 20% discount and the VAT exemption.
Under Republic Act No. 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016
One of the biggest cash gifts which is part of the list of the senior citizen benefits and discounts is the centenarian cash incentive for seniors who will reach the age of 100 years old. A 100-year-old senior will get ₱100,000.